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'My Dad Used To Play Similarly'- Uday Saharan After India's Win In U19 World Cup Semis

image-lsbm5fg1Uday Saharan | Source: X.com

India's under-19 team advanced to the World Cup final for the fifth consecutive occasion, edging South Africa by two wickets in a thrilling semifinal on Tuesday. 

After South Africa put up 244 runs on a tough pitch, India found themselves in a tight spot, losing two wickets early on. Things took a turn for the worse when they slumped to 32 runs for four wickets down. 

However, when the gritty Indian captain Uday Saharan strode into bat, his mindset was crystal clear: stay until the end and ensure a win for his team. He partnered with Sachin Dhas and stitched a match-winning 171-run stand. 

The captain notched up 81 runs off 124 balls, while Dhas contributed 96 runs off 95 deliveries, orchestrating a stellar turnaround as the Men in Blue secured their spot in another U19 World Cup final. 

After winning the match for India, the skipper revealed that he has learned the habit of not losing hope and taking the game deep from his father, Pratap Saharan. 


Here’s what Uday Saharah said:

“My dad also used to play similarly; slowly and taking the game deep. The ball was seaming early on but once the ball got old, it started coming onto the bat better.”  

Reflecting on the game, Saharan mentioned that when he arrived at the crease, the ball wasn't quite coming onto the bat nicely. But as the match went on, he realized he had to dig in, and once he found his rhythm, everything clicked, helping him seal the win for India. 

"We were well behind at one point. Kept saying one thing we have to bat till the end. Was a matter of one partnership. When I walked into bat, ball was nipping a bit, and there was good bounce.”


“Later it started coming onto the bat better. We don't let the morale get low in the dressing room at all - our environment and coaches are superb. Great feeling to reach the final. Got a taste of close games,” Saharan concluded. 

India will face the winner of the Eliminator game between Australia and Pakistan in the final of the U19 World Cup final on Sunday, February 11, at Willowmoore Park, Benoni.